Dear Roadrunners,
I hope you all are settling in to the semester. If you missed the good news at the President’s Spring Update last week, read the recap here.
West, Central Classrooms closed beginning March 16
Project B, an Auraria Higher Education Center project that involves upgrading the heating and air–conditioning systems in Central and West classrooms, is scheduled to begin during Spring Break. The upgrades aim to replace the inefficient climate–control equipment in both buildings, which will ultimately make the buildings more comfortable and more conducive to working and learning.
The project will close more than 60 classrooms and 100 employee office spaces, three dean’s offices, academic departments, programs and a clinic beginning March 16 through early August, which will impact around 80% of students. To mitigate the impact, adjustments to the spring schedule have been made, including the shift to more eight-week courses in the first half of the semester and a transition to hybrid formats for some courses. As construction continues, I would like to thank you all for understanding and graciously adjusting your schedules during this tumultuous time. Additionally, I would like to thank the Facilities staff members and contractors who are making these upgrades possible. We are all looking forward to the completion of this project and to seeing and experiencing all the upgrades.
To accommodate the displacement of employees, faculty and staff members can book Room 120 in the Tivoli Student Union on a rotating schedule as needed. Additionally, arrangements have been made for advising and one-on-one meetings, with offices available in TIV 127 and several conference rooms that can be scheduled for department meetings.
Submit student-employment questions now
The University is hosting a Student Employment Webinar on March 1 and is asking employees and student employees to submit questions to be answered in the webinar.
The webinar will provide a dedicated time and space for University leaders to respond to frequently asked questions on student-employment issues from the perspectives of student employees, supervisors and departments.
Sim Lab updates
There are still a few spots left to tour the Health Institute Simulation Labs. Sign up now before they are all booked. Additionally, employees are encouraged to attend the next Project Update meeting Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. More information on the Sim Labs, including important relocations, can be found on the Sim Labs SharePoint site.
Mandatory trainings due soon
Lastly, I would like to remind you all that there is just over a month left to finish the mandatory training required by the University. Employees should have received notifications within Workday with details on training access, enrollment and instructions.
All MSU Denver employees are required to take the Data Security and Privacy course every year, as required by state law. Additionally, all employees are required to take the following online courses every two years:
- Accommodating People With Disabilities
- Preventing Harassment and Discrimination
Budgets due Feb. 16
As a reminder, this year’s budget is likely to be constrained based on state funding. Departments and programs across campus should be optimizing their current budgets and identifying ways to use existing levels of funding to pay for ongoing operating expenses and the cost of new initiatives.
Gov. Jared Polis’ proposed budget includes $42 million for the state’s colleges and universities, far less than the $160 million that higher-education leaders have jointly requested for operations and state financial aid. State lawmakers are deliberating what the final funding amount should be, but it’s important for budget owners at MSU Denver to carefully consider how their teams can operate efficiently and strategically next year, regardless of the outcome of state budget deliberations.
Events and additional information
- Employees are encouraged to register for the inaugural Transfer Champion Symposium on Feb. 15.
- The President’s Fireside Chat on Feb. 27 is quickly approaching. RSVP today for an engaging conversation featuring Adrian Miller, a former Bill Clinton staffer, author and James Beard Award winner.
- MSU Denver’s annual Day of Giving will be here soon. Submit your projects by March 11 to be included in the 24-hour fundraising campaign.
- The date for Commencement is set for May 10. Consider signing up to volunteer as a marshal by March 15.
Thank you all for staying updated with campus operations and doing the work to ensure that MSU Denver continues to operate as one of the finest institutions in the state.
Sincerely,
Larry Sampler, chief operating officer and vice president for Administration